Kick Off: Big match for USA in Costa Rica at 9ET | Atlanta to unveil jersey

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Chasing history

The US national team will dive into Round 2 action in CONCACAF's Hexagonal tonight when they visit Costa Rica in search of their first-ever World Cup qualifying win there (9 pm ET on beIN SPORTS, NBC Universo). Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has his usual tactical view of the matchup, but however they line up, USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann wants his charges to play with a chip on their shoulder.

Cuts both ways

Goalkeeper Tim Howard is set for adductor surgery that will put him on the USMNT shelf and end his postseason involvement for 2016.

Return engagement

After a bittersweet first season in MLS, Vancouver's Christian Bolanos is aiming to help Costa Rica back to World Cup.

Everything's in place

Following years of disappointment for Toronto FC, Steve Brisendine writes that the Reds have all they need to claim MLS Cup.

Close, but no cigar

FourFourTwo has compiled a list of the best MLS teams to not win the title.

So long

Just 24 hours after out-of-contract New York City FC star Frank Lampard announced he would not be returning to the club, his former England teammate Steven Gerrard announced his time at the LA Galaxy was also coming to an end. Back to Lampard, our own Ben Couch captured his MLS stay in five snapshots.

So long, Pt. 2

Also bidding a farewell on Monday was longtime Real Salt Lake defender Jamison Olave.

Just a little bit longer

Sporting Kansas City playmaker Benny Feilhaber is reportedly set to sign an extension.

Keen for Roy?

Charles Boehm has come up with a few suggestions for new MLS employers should Robbie Keane leave the LA Galaxy.

Foreign exchange

D.C. United netminder Bill Hamid has begun training with Swansea City, coached by former MLS head coach Bob Bradley.

Welcome aboard!

Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino has named his coaching staff. And stay tuned for more Atlanta United FC news tonight with the release of the expansion club's new jersey.

One way or another

Depending on the report, Minnesota United's rumored top head coach candidate is either ex-Orlando City boss Adrian Heath or New York Cosmos tactician Giovanni Savarese.

Job interview

Sunil Gulati submitted to a wide-ranging Q&A that hits on several topics that fall under his jurisdiction as US Soccer chief.

History book

On Tuesday, MLSsoccer.com contributor Phil West will release The United States of Soccer, a book that chronicles Major League Soccer's place in the rise of American soccer fandom.